We hadn't had pirates hiding out on our shores since Anne Bonney, Mary Reid and Calico Jack Rackham in the early 1700s, so we decided to go to Key West, our Sister City and ask a few of them back for our 4th Annual Island Roots Heritage Festival!! Not only did Anne, Mary and Jack come to reaquaint themselves, but the Conch Republic's Admiral and First Sea Lord, Finbar Gittleman, his first mate Blossom and his crew of the Flagship Schooner WOLF sailed the seas to offer memorable sails and tours and entertainment to our festival goers! Even our first Governor General Woodes Rodgers came back in search of the pirates! He posted many a 'Wanted' sign on the lamp posts!

Throughout the entire festival the pirates from the Wolf, The West Coast Mutineers and The Pirates of the Coast made their presence felt with Sea Shanties, swashbuckling sword fights, fire shows, pirate pinatas, pirate fashion shows and a pirate ship filled with sand for the children to dig for coins, jewelry and other treasure. The children followed the pirates everywhere and even learned how to sword fight, march and hunt treasure!

In addition to the pirate activities, there was the usual tasty Bahamian foods and drink, a wonderful display of Bahamian Arts and Crafts, unique storey telling by Ms. Jessie Pearl, old time games, conch cracking contests, Junkanoo rush, Maypole plaiting, Abaco dingy skulling and displays, Bahamian Family Tree research by Joy Lowe Jossi and others, entertainment by the local school children and a Parade and Beat Retreat by the Royal Bahamas Police Force Band. Everything uniquely Bahamian!!!!

Joy Lowe Jossi joined us this year to begin our Family Tree research. There was an Informational Tent full of educational and pictoral displays along with a space dedicated to meet with people to discuss their family trees. It was wondeful to see how we are all interconnected, especially with our sisters and brothers of Key West!

The first Informative Talks were held at the Administrator's Building. Sandra Riley, author and director, spoke on The Pirates in the Bahamas. Brian LaPointe, shared with us about The Conservation of our Reef. Bob Carr presented his talk on Archeology in Abaco and Eleuthera.

The Royal Bahamas Pop Band, The Gully Roosters, AVVY , Island Spice and other local groups entertained us on stage in the evening.

By the end of the festival weekend, everyone had learned to speak Pirate. ARGG, was heard all over the island! A great time was had by all!

The weekend was brought to a close by offering thanks and praise at our Thanksgiving Service held Sunday at the Festival Site.

Fairwinds to all (Goodbye, Good Luck in pirate talk)!!!!